Ellie Kildunne has been named in England's starting XV once again for this weekend's match against Wales. Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has introduced seven new changes to his squad, including a debut for Bristol Bears' back Millie David. Coming off a resounding 84-7 victory against Scotland at Murrayfield, the reigning world champions aim to maintain their Grand Slam aspirations with another triumph at Ashton Gate.
Joining debutant David in the starting lineup are Delaney Burns, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Holly Aitchison, Marlie Packer, Sarah Bern, and Mackenzie Carson. The changes reflect Mitchell's strategy to diversify the team's experience and tactics. With David and Moloney-MacDonald on the wings, Kildunne returns to her preferred position as full-back, ensuring a robust backline.
Captain Meg Jones and Helena Rowland continue their partnership in midfield, providing stability and creativity. In the halves, Aitchison is paired with Lucy Packer, whose synergy will be crucial in dictating the pace of the game. The dynamic back-row consists of Maddie Feaunati, Sadia Kabeya, and Marlie Packer, with Burns and Abi Burton securing the locks. Front-row starters Bern, Carson, and hooker Amy Cokayne are set to bring power to the scrum.
The bench looks promising with Connie Powell, Kelsey Clifford, Maud Muir, Haineala Lutui, Demelza Short, Flo Robinson, Zoe Harrison, and Jess Breach ready to bring fresh energy onto the field.
"Last weekend was a special performance by the team at Murrayfield and one the whole squad and staff can be proud of, but we’ve already left that behind us,"
Mitchell commented on the upcoming game, emphasizing the need for strategic clarity and improvement. "This week is about being clear on where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales are a side that over-commit at the contest, which will challenge us in a different way. It’s one we’re looking forward to, and an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we’ve started to build."
"For us, it’s about elevating our game. That means being courageous in our skillsets, building better connections, and owning our decisions. I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate."
The Red Roses are set to play in front of another large crowd, with over 25,000 fans expected at Ashton Gate. This marks the third consecutive weekend where the team will enjoy significant spectator support, adding to the high stakes and excitement of the match.
Red Roses team v Wales in full: Starting XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Millie David, 13 Meg Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Lucy Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati, 7 Marlie Packer, 6 Sadia Kabeya, 5 Delaney Burns, 4 Abi Burton, 3 Sarah Bern, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Mackenzie Carson Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Demelza Short, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Jess Breach
349 posts
Ellie Kildunne has been named in England's starting XV once again for this weekend's match against Wales. Red Roses head coach John Mitchell has introduced seven new changes to his squad, including a debut for Bristol Bears' back Millie David. Coming off a resounding 84-7 victory against Scotland at Murrayfield, the reigning world champions aim to maintain their Grand Slam aspirations with another triumph at Ashton Gate.
Joining debutant David in the starting lineup are Delaney Burns, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Holly Aitchison, Marlie Packer, Sarah Bern, and Mackenzie Carson. The changes reflect Mitchell's strategy to diversify the team's experience and tactics. With David and Moloney-MacDonald on the wings, Kildunne returns to her preferred position as full-back, ensuring a robust backline.
Captain Meg Jones and Helena Rowland continue their partnership in midfield, providing stability and creativity. In the halves, Aitchison is paired with Lucy Packer, whose synergy will be crucial in dictating the pace of the game. The dynamic back-row consists of Maddie Feaunati, Sadia Kabeya, and Marlie Packer, with Burns and Abi Burton securing the locks. Front-row starters Bern, Carson, and hooker Amy Cokayne are set to bring power to the scrum.
The bench looks promising with Connie Powell, Kelsey Clifford, Maud Muir, Haineala Lutui, Demelza Short, Flo Robinson, Zoe Harrison, and Jess Breach ready to bring fresh energy onto the field.
"Last weekend was a special performance by the team at Murrayfield and one the whole squad and staff can be proud of, but we’ve already left that behind us,"
Mitchell commented on the upcoming game, emphasizing the need for strategic clarity and improvement. "This week is about being clear on where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales are a side that over-commit at the contest, which will challenge us in a different way. It’s one we’re looking forward to, and an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we’ve started to build."
"For us, it’s about elevating our game. That means being courageous in our skillsets, building better connections, and owning our decisions. I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate."
The Red Roses are set to play in front of another large crowd, with over 25,000 fans expected at Ashton Gate. This marks the third consecutive weekend where the team will enjoy significant spectator support, adding to the high stakes and excitement of the match.
Red Roses team v Wales in full:
Starting XV: 15 Ellie Kildunne, 14 Millie David, 13 Meg Jones (c), 12 Helena Rowland, 11 Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, 10 Holly Aitchison, 9 Lucy Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati, 7 Marlie Packer, 6 Sadia Kabeya, 5 Delaney Burns, 4 Abi Burton, 3 Sarah Bern, 2 Amy Cokayne, 1 Mackenzie Carson
Replacements: 16 Connie Powell, 17 Kelsey Clifford, 18 Maud Muir, 19 Haineala Lutui, 20 Demelza Short, 21 Flo Robinson, 22 Zoe Harrison, 23 Jess Breach